Dry matter production and nitrogen utilization in cropping systems with grass, lucerne and maize. 1. Comparison of crop characteristics, growth and production.

Abstract

DM production and crop characteristics of Medicago sativa were studied in comparison with Lolium perenne and maize under temperate conditions and various N applications. Annual DM yields of M. sativa ranged from 13.4 to 18.1 t/ha and were comparable to those of L. perenne and maize. However, the digestibility of M. sativa was lower than that of L. perenne cut for silage and that of maize. Despite significant differences in leaf:stem ratio, specific leaf area and LAI, full light interception was achieved with the same amount of DM for L. perenne and M. sativa. After defoliation by cutting, the time taken to regenerate a closed crop canopy did not differ. DM losses of M. sativa by root and shoot senescence were measured. The decline in tap root number was compensated for by the number of shoots per tap root. It was concluded that the yield potential of M. sativa could be improved by breeding for earlier cv. with a good persistence of roots and shoots. (Abstract retrieved from CAB Abstracts by CABI’s permission)